Racks and Luggage for Folders?

[malkin]

We just got Bikes Friday and don't know how to set them up to carry stuff.

Front or back racks & panniers or trunk bag or handlebar bag...No need to carry our whole life support, but maybe grab a loaf of bread and quart of milk or sixer of beer, okay, maybe it is basic life support after all. And a few tools stuff like that.

You?

[Blueberry]

Rear Rack and Arkel Tail Rider is my preferred setup for most riding (or if I really don't need to carry anything, just a saddle bag). I have panniers for when I need to carry more (i.e., large grocery run).

[emily_in_nc]

We have front and rear racks and full sets of panniers when needed (i.e., touring, large grocery run), but more typically, DH would use full panniers plus Arkel Tailrider, and I'd just use a Tailrider, since he's the stronger rider. Or I'd use one set of panniers. We also have handlebar bags but only used them for touring as having weight up high isn't as good for bike handling.

If you only use one set of panniers, it's best to use front panniers rather than having all the weight on the rear. With front panniers and a rear trunk bag, like a Tailrider, you can carry quite a bit.

Enjoy your Bike Fridays!

[malkin]

Do normal racks fit or do you need the ones that BF sells?

[Blueberry]

I believe normal racks will fit - but I'm not 100% sure.

I have the folding rack from BF (which is pricey). If you do intend to travel with the BF, though, it's the only one that will fit in the suitcase. There really is no way to get the non-folding one in the suitcase with the bike.

As far as front and back - if you are carrying a full load, I agree with Emily that balancing front and back is a good idea. But - if you're only carrying a few things at a time (~10 lbs or less), I've not noticed a handling problem (and I don't have a front rack at all).

[ridebikeme]

Another alternative to racks and panniers are some of the bags made by Relevate Design, Cleaveland Mountianeering, etc... I did an self contained tour this summer, and the friend that I went with used racks/panniers and I used some of the above. There's a comparison on my shops' blog if you are interested.... http://chasecyclery.blogspot.com.

Have fun trying to decide what will work best for you!!

[featuretile]

I just bought one of these CrossRacks from a different folding bike company for my Bike Friday - Xootr. http://www.xootr.com/crossrack-bike-rack.html
I haven't used it yet, but it fits fine. It is a single pannier that attaches to the seatpost. I plan on using it for light 'credit card' touring when you only need some clothes and no camping equipment. It would work for bread and milk. It seems to be more out of the way than the usual panniers and racks. Front bags don't fit very well on my Bike Friday because the cables are in the way.

CrossRack Bike Rack Features
Mounts to most bicycles and scooters.
Centers load for best balance.
Positions cargo in slipstream of rider for low drag.
Works with most standard bicycle panniers.
Detaches in 5 seconds via locking pin.
Rack "horns"can hang many standard bags, including plastic shopping bags.
Welded aluminum construction.
Fits post diameters from 1.0 - 1.4 inches (25 - 35 mm).
Weighs 664 grams.
Load limit: 25lbs.

[emily_in_nc]

As far as front and back - if you are carrying a full load, I agree with Emily that balancing front and back is a good idea. But - if you're only carrying a few things at a time (~10 lbs or less), I've not noticed a handling problem (and I don't have a front rack at all).

Good point -- I was thinking more of some of our grocery runs in Chapel Hill/Carrboro, where we'd buy bags of apples, carrots, beans, veggies from the farmer's market, wine, and the like, so the panniers got pretty heavy! In that case, it's best to split between front and rear panniers, or put everything in the front. But with a light load, rear panniers only are fine.

I am thinking you do have to use special racks because of the small wheel size, but I can't recall for sure. We went ahead and bought racks directly from Green Gear (Bike Friday) at the same time as we bought our bikes.

[Blueberry]

Emily-

I 100% agree with you on heavy loads (or at least it has to be better than what I've done). 40 lbs of cat supplies on a rear rack does NOT make a fun ride home (my Trek 520, but still.....) I should use the trailer more. Or look at actually getting a front rack.

Sounds like the OP's needs are a bit more modest

You may be right on the racks - I think the rear is standard except for the front supports - those are longer than what one would have one a 700c bike....

FYI I'm getting another Friday! A well used PR came into my LBS. Not what I would necessarily choose for a commuter, but the price is right for me to actually lock it, and the bars/etc needed replacing anyway - so she shall be mine

[malkin]

Sounds like the OP's needs are a bit more modest

Yep. We have bags and trailers galore for big plans on big bikes, but I can hardly go anywhere without my stuff-- you know, a snack and a jacket and a spare tube and I need to stop and buy a lemon, so I have to have a lock...

Not loaded touring.

[Sky King]

Do you follow Russ and Laura on the Path less Pedaled they have been on brompton's for just about a year now and will have some great comments and suggestions for you